Our friend and neighbor, Sally Mundell, keeps a promise to her husband with “The Packaged Good.” Link here to read her story in this month’s North Haven magazine. Sally’s goal is to empower and to teach children to give more to those in need. At the Packaged Good, families, children, schools, churches and other organizations come together to assemble care packages for others. This is a “One-Stop-Shop” to assemble care packages and give logistical support; allowing people to help their favorite charities.

North Haven Magazine Murphy Candler Park Neighbors

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, please check in with Sally and see where you might be of assistance. Helping others always warms the heart!

Both Southern Pine Beetles and Asian Ambrosia Beetles have been detected in the City of Brookhaven as well as the entire metro Atlanta area, and pose a threat to both healthy and stressed trees.

According to Brookhaven’s City Arborist, Pine Beetles have been found in the areas of Ragley Hall Road, North Thompson Road, D’Youville Condominiums, Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Peachtree Road at Brookhaven Lane, Cambridge Park, Waddleston Way, and E. Osborne Road. Ambrosia Beetles have been noted in the areas of Granger Drive, Bailiff Court/Osborne Road and Drew Valley Road.

Brookhaven’s City Arborist suggests the following steps:

Keep trees healthy and watered. Water trees at least twice a week in the evenings (even if it’s with grey water from showers.

Consult with a certified arborist about preventative treatments such as bark spray, but note that it’s not 100 percent effective as it cannot reach higher points.

Avoid pruning pine trees if possible as the chemicals released attract the beetles.

If lightning strikes a pine tree, remove it.

Trees infested with pine beetles should be removed and burned or chipped on site.

Do not place the pine wood chips anywhere near pine trees.

Do not store cut pine logs for outdoor fireplaces unless they are under sealed tarps for three months.

Trees infested with Asian Ambrosia Beetles should be removed and burned, and trunks should be treated with an insecticide labeled for this pest.

If you suspect a beetle infestation, report it on Brookhaven Connect under the category “Trees (Dead/Diseased/Hazardous)” to allow the City Arborist to track the problem, as well as confirm the tree is diseased and should be removed.

Residents and businesses are not required to obtain a tree removal application if the tree has an infestation as verified by a certified arborist.

The Wings of Mercy Ball, in support of Mercy Care in Atlanta, is the largest annual fundraiser. The philanthropy supports vital health care, dental, vision, behavioral health care, education and social services. Since 1989, Wings for Mercy Care and Mercy Care Foundation raised over $8 million dollars for Mercy Care through fundraising and service events. This elegant black tie event, held in March, includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, music, and dancing.

Betsy McDowell of The McDowell Group,
Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Perimeter
was featured as a top real estate agent in the
Georgia Edition of Top Agent Magazine.

Top Agent Magazine is the premier real estate magazine featuring the foremost real estate agents and mortgage professionals in the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Top Agent Magazine features the top producing and most accomplished professionals in the real estate industry, offering an in-depth look at their careers and providing a blueprint for their success. It is considered a privilege to be nominated as it speaks to a certain success level for which all real estate agents set as their goal.

“I am both honored and humbled to have been chosen for this award and I would like to express my sincere appreciation to those who nominated and continue to support me. Thank you!”Betsy McDowell,The McDowell Group

Sellers sometimes think, “If the home doesn’t sell for this price, I can always lower it later.” However, research proves that homes that experience a listing price reduction sit on the market longer, ultimately selling for less than similar homes.

John Knight, recipient of the University Distinguished Faculty Award from the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific, actually did research on the cost (in both time and money) to a seller who priced high at the beginning and then lowered their price. His article, Listing Price, Time on Market and Ultimate Selling Price, published in Real Estate Economics revealed:

“Homes that underwent a price revision sold for less, and the greater the revision, the lower the selling price. Also, the longer the home remains on the market, the lower its ultimate selling price.”

Additionally, the “I’ll lower the price later” approach can paint a negative image in buyers’ minds. Each time a price reduction occurs, buyers can naturally think, “Something must be wrong with that house.” Then when a buyer does make an offer, they low-ball the price because they see the seller as “highly motivated.” Pricing it right from the start eliminates these challenges.

Price your home right the first time! There should be no price reductions, but price protection. With good knowledge of today’s housing market and access to strong comparative stats, The McDowell Group prices to sell. A home that is priced RIGHT moves quickly. As a REALTOR® I work to protect the seller as well as the neighborhood. – Betsy McDowell, The McDowell Group

The other day, I was handed an extra box along with my expected office delivery. Enclosed was the following note. “Thanks for your great work in completing our home purchase! You’re a first rate realtor through and through. It’s a little late, but please accept this token of our appreciation.” Sheldon & Shedra
This is why I do what I do – help people achieve their dreams!

Brookhaven, Georgia: Children’s eyes are filled with dreams of the future; their imagination soars with what they could be and have a natural desire to help themselves and their peers reach their goals. When a child sees someone in need they want to help, because they know every child should have the right to achieve their ultimate dream.

Thank you for all who have stepped up for this little girl who needs a heart transplant. Imagine if this were your child; your son, your daughter, your soul…fighting for their life? For some, it’s not a hard choice, it is easy. In fact, no hesitation; LET’S GO, LET’S DO THIS! What are we waiting for, someone NEEDS something?

The Event:
Join us for this Fundraiser for Taylor Rand who needs a Heart Transplant
What:
Bake Sale/Lemonade Stand – All Proceeds Go to Taylor Rand
Where:
Brookhaven, GA

“It always seems impossible until it’s done” – Nelson Mandela

This Friday, July 15, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Jack & Paul, along with lots of community friends from Holy Spirit Prep, Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Martin’s Episcopal School, Montgomery Elementary, and other community schools are coming together with a Lemonade & Treat Stand to help raise money for their friend at St. Martins Episcopal School. Stop by, Say hello, Sign the card and when you donatefor goodies, 100% of the proceeds will go to fund Taylor Rand who is currently fighting for her life. There are treats for the parents, too! We know our Brookhaven/Buckhead/Sandy Springs communities are stepping up and helping to support her in this fight!

Lemonade & Treat Stand for #TaylorStrong: For any additional information on this event please contact Mrs. McDowell at (404)-849-2293. Donations may also be made via Pay Pal – https://paypal.me/taylorrandbiggoal Since its PayPal, you know it’s easier and more secure than cash or checks. Don’t have a PayPal account? No worries. Getting one is fast and free. And remember, all proceeds to benefit Taylor Rand.

Delta and its employees have been showing support for victims and their loved ones following the tragic events in Orlando Sunday

Delta and its employees have been showing support for victims and their loved ones following the tragic events in Orlando Sunday, including flying the Pride flag to half-staff at the airline’s Atlanta General Offices.

To assist families of the victims with their travel plans, Delta is offering situational flexibility based on individual needs. Customers or their travel agents can contact Delta Reservations or Sales Support for assistance.

“We all hurt and mourn for those lost in Orlando as well as the numerous victims, some who remain critical,” said Michael Long, President of Delta’s Employee Equality Network (DEEN) Group, in a note to all members. “At a time when we are celebrating LGBT Pride in three countries and across the United States, it’s important to not lose sight of who we are. We must not turn our hurt into hate. The entire DEEN leadership team is here to support you. Also, remember that Delta offers the Employee Assistance Program, which offers counseling and other services you may find helpful at this time.”

Members of DEEN will be participating in a vigil to remember the victims of the Orlando massacre. The vigil will be held by the LGBT Institute at the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta on Tuesday, June 14, at 7 p.m. Interested employees are invited to join DEEN and attend the event.

As part of the airline’s long-time commitment to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, Delta is celebrating Pride Month this month as an official airline sponsor of nine Pride festivals across the U.S. and Canada. This past weekend, Delta sponsored LA Pride, the Cadillac Barbie IN Pride Parade and Circle City IN Pride Festival in Indianapolis, and Motor City Pride in Detroit.

“With Delta’s strong showing at LA Pride, we demonstrated our resolve that even amidst violence, intimidation and hate, we will stand up for the rights of the LGBT community and celebrate our diversity,” said Ranjan Goswami, V.P. – Sales-West. “I was both humbled and heartened to see the courage and fortitude of the Delta family.”

For several years Delta has teamed up with some of the largest regional Pride events around the world. In addition to this weekend’s events, 2016 partnerships include the Nashville Pride Equality Walk, NYC Heritage of Pride, Seattle PrideFest, Seattle Pride, Twin Cities Pride in Minneapolis, Utah Pride Festival in Salt Lake City and The 519’s Green Space Festival at Toronto Pride.

Delta is also the Official Airline of Atlanta Pride, the Official Sponsor of Tokyo Rainbow Pride, the presenting sponsor of the GLAAD Media Awards and a Platinum Sponsor of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. Additionally, Delta supports LGBT efforts as a sponsor of GNETWORK 360 in Argentina and the Brazilian Association for Gay Tourism. Employees are also participating in non-Delta sponsored Pride events elsewhere throughout the country.

Representatives of DEEN in each city as well as friends, family and volunteers don Delta gear to march in the parades each year.